Organizers

organizers@lists.sharedweight.net

6 participants
511 discussions

by Chris Weiler via Organizers

I’m forwarding this on behalf of Luke Donforth. Please make sure to copy him on any replies since he is not a member of the list. All the best, Chris Weiler List Moderator Long version: When I (Luke Donforth) get an inquiry about calling for a gig that I can't do, I often refer them to the same handful of local callers that I know. But it's not always the most useful if the inquiry came from far away, or the folks I personally know are busy. I'm now trying to create a caller database; with geographic home-base of caller, how far they'll travel, what they call, and contact information. Also, somewhere where folks submit themselves; a way to hang their shingle, as it were. I know there are lists of callers out there, such as Charlie's excellent contra dance links, Ted Crane's extensive Dance Database, and the venerable Dance Gypsy. I was thinking it would be useful to have it in database format where it could be sorted and filtered. I'm also focusing on the callers, as opposed to the dances. I've created a google form that allows people to submit information; with a linked spreadsheet that would allow people to filter based on what they're looking for (both geographically and dance style). My hope is to eventually develop a front end to help filter that information, but for now I'm just sharing it with organizers as a database. The survey is at: <https://goo.gl/forms/62beEKCKsyysepGk1> https://goo.gl/forms/62beEKCKsyysepGk1 The results (~50 so far) are at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZIWfYyFwMHHm6MpyMCD_N8ssQcOD5s6yndu… I'm primarily a caller and doing this from the caller end, and I'd appreciate feedback from organizers. (I've already reached out to some I personally know in the formulation of this.) I'm making some effort to prevent e-mail addresses from being harvested by spam-bots, and I'm not widely disseminating the database link. The more interest, the more likely I'll put together a public front-end. If you think it's useful, you can also mention it to callers that you work with and encourage them to list themselves there. I'm not on the Organizers Shared-Weight; but you can reach me directly at calling.luke(a)gmail.com <mailto:calling.luke@gmail.com> Happy dancing, and thanks for your feedback -- Luke Donforth calling.luke(a)gmail.com <mailto:ing.luke@gmail.com>

8 years, 5 months

For Canadian shared weight organizers list members

by Emily Addison via Organizers

Dear Shared Weight Organizers List, I know the list has been fairly quiet over the last year and while this isn't a direct question posed to get conversation starts, it's directly applicable for some of you and many of the rest of you are likely to find it interesting. Please note --- the survey below is targeted towards CANADIAN organizers of trad events! *IN BRIEF:* The Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS) **wants to hear from you** as we look at *how to best support *local organizers* of traditional dance music and song throughout Canada*. We see local organizers like you as key to creating the vibrant and thriving traditional dance, music and song scenes we all care about! We are running a *survey of local organizers until November 17th*. The goal of the survey is to learn: What are you organizing? What successes are you having? What challenges do you face? What immediate needs do you have? What ideas have you thought of for growing your community/activities? What supports would help you in the work that you do? *WHY PARTICIPATE?* Whether you are involved in PEI fiddling, NFLD traditional song, Metis step dancing, or other (as there are so many!) each tradition is culturally significant. They reflect the shared values and heritage of that community and help to define a sense of identity and belonging for individuals. Yet despite the diversity, there is much commonality in the organizational requirements across traditions. For instance, organizers of a Cape Breton traditional square dance, contra dance in British Columbia, and les danses folkloique Québécoises often do similar work, share similar challenges and could benefit from similar supports. By sharing with each other, we create more vibrant and resilient communities for all. By participating in the survey, you are not only informing CDSS on what we can do to support organizers throughout the country, but also other umbrella arts organizations and the Canada Council for the Arts with whom we will be sharing the findings. We will work to take action on common interests that arise from the survey, some in partnership with other umbrella organizations and many of which would be free or at little cost. We will also look at ways to address various particular interests where we can. (As a participant, you will be emailed a copy of the findings.) *HOW TO PARTICIPATE:* Complete the online survey by Thursday, November 17th. It will take 15-20 minutes. SURVEY LINK HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDSSCanadianOrganizers-EN We hope that multiple organizers from the same group will participate. Also - please share with other local organizers in your area. As you know, connections within our traditions are often by word-of-mouth! More information about the survey and larger project is available below. We look forward to hearing from you, *Emily Addison (pourparler list member) and also Sarah PilzerThe CDSS Canadian Initiative* =================================== *MORE INFORMATION ON THE SURVEY* *Who is an organizer ... for the purpose of this survey?* For the purpose of this survey, an organizer is anyone involved in making a traditional dance, music, or song event, activity, or community happen. The activities vary widely from house concerts to dances, folk clubs, song circles, group lessons, jam sessions, festivals, etc. Organizers can be volunteers OR paid, single individuals OR committees, part of a non-profit OR commercial business, new OR experienced, run one-off-events OR ongoing series - you name it! *What traditions are included ... for the purpose of this survey?* CDSS' core focus has been on traditions that have evolved in N America and/or those with English roots. For example, traditional square dancing from places like Cape Breton and Quebec fit well having evolved in N America. Think everything from morris teams, traditional song circles, old-time music jam sessions, step-dancing traditions from all over, folk clubs that present traditional music concerts, etc. AND - we are still very much interested in hearing and supporting the wider trad scene. Thus, if organizers involved in trad activities such as Irish set dancing, scandinavian jam sessions, or international folk want to participate, please do! *Who is CDSS?* CDSS has been a leader and partner of traditional dance, music, and song across North America for over a century. We provide services to members as well as the wider traditional dance, music and song community in Canada. If you're interested in knowing more, visit cdss.org

8 years, 6 months

When to cancel dance?

by Deanna Palumbo via Organizers

With the current temps in the US at an alarming high, our dance hall has been running hot, with their one A/C unit cooling to 75-78 degrees while dancing. We keep it pretty windy, with lots of fans (quietest ones in the hall are small Lasko units and louder ones in the back). That being said, at what point do you cancel the dance because of heat? Dancers are already complaining and all we can do is keep it windy. Of course, we could cut our losses if minimum capacity of dancers are not coming because of the heat. In the past & at another hall, we used to cancel all of August because of heat, but I don't know how you can make that call because you really don't know how it will feel (or how many dancers will attend) until you get there. Deanna Palumbo Chattahoochee Country Dancers, Atlanta, GA

8 years, 9 months

Storing & Cataloguing Web Assets

by Rich Dempsey via Organizers

We are starting to collect pictures and copy for performers coming to play for our dances. I imagine that someday soon, we may start collecting videos. These assets come to us in a variety of forms - docs, pictures, links to web sites, text pasted into an email. Is there anyone who has any experience handling such materials who can advise a good way to organize them? We have a club Google Apps subscription, so Drive would appear attractive initially. However, we've had trouble figuring out how to organize materials in Drive in a way that shares the organization. In addition, we need a way to find the materials that have been stored. Thanks! Rich

8 years, 9 months

McGill Contra

by via Organizers

Hi Marie-Michèle. (And apologies to the group, I don't know how to make individual contact and this note seemed easiest.) A friend of mine was a student at McGill about 5? maybe 7? years ago and did contradance there. I loaned him several books to help get things started. Contact me offline at bobfab(a)aol.com and I can connect you with him. He may have some insights, and offered to speak with you. Bob bobfab(a)aol.com

8 years, 9 months

University contra clubs

by Marie-Michèle Fournier via Organizers

Hello everyone! I have recruited some of our younger dancers to start a contra club at their university to help us bring in more people to our dances in an effort to be sustainable. However, none of us are quite certain what's the best way to proceed with this and what exactly to do with this club. Any of you out there have associated university or college clubs? Could you put me in contact with the people in charge so we can use their ideas and experience with this? Thanks! Marie ContraMontreal

8 years, 10 months

Re: [Organizers] Organizers Digest, Vol 22, Issue 15

by Corallina Breuer via Organizers

Marie! Let's chat at Ooh La La! I worked with my alma mater to create a contra dance club when I was an alum living in the area working for a nonprofit and students were interested in bringing contra to the campus. I've also worked with a few other universities and students since then. I've just seen your latest message regarding your campus decision to not allow new clubs, I've seen similar situations occur as a result of schools trying to direct students toward collaborative work. This was true for my alma mater. As a result the contra dances were "hosted" by a few already existing organizations who agreed that contra fit their mission and had staff members who wanted to support the club happening. Examples in our case included the Center for Women & Gender Action, our non-secular Office of Religious Life, Student Activities Office, and I think the Dance Department as well as support from the Health &Wellness Office because it was an alcohol-free event. Anyway, it was a grand mix and as a result, they also helped with publicity and talked it up a lot because they had a stake, if you will, in the success of the endeavor. Anyway, we shall see each other soon (right?! I hope so!) and I'll share the many more thoughts, and details of how it came together, plus some other examples I've been on the periphery of :) On Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 4:07 PM via Organizers < organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Send Organizers mailing list submissions to > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > organizers-request(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > You can reach the person managing the list at > organizers-owner(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Organizers digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: University contra clubs > (Marie-Mich?le Fournier via Organizers) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:38:48 -0400 > From: Marie-Mich?le Fournier via Organizers > <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > To: Brian Gallagher <gallagb(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Marie-Mich?le Fournier via Organizers > <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > Subject: Re: [Organizers] University contra clubs > Message-ID: > < > CADbbneaPpOyMSd34tCvxbxkJVMCZeNNaPc38qmS-Q+8Fbirkyg(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Thanks Brian, this is very informative! > Unfortunately I had a nasty surprise when I looked up how to create a club > at McGill only to discover they currently do not allow new clubs because > they have too many. I will have to rethink the idea. I didn't see any > traditional music club in their listing, which is unfortunate as they may > have been a good option for a partnership, but I will go through them all > again to see if I can find an existing club that we might convince to work > with us. > Thank you everyone > Marie > > On Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 2:28 AM, Brian Gallagher via Organizers < > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > > Hello all- > > While I do not currently work with a student organization at a > university, > > my profession is working with student orgs at universities. > > Every school really is different in their bylaws and what is and is not > ok. > > I've seen a lot of different things to be successful. > > > > At one school in the south, the christian based organizations partnered > > with the swing club and had a large swing dance which included a lesson. > > They did this 4x per year and got a few hundred people each time (between > > local swing dancers, students who were in the swing club, and then > > christian students looking to learn or try something new). > > > > I think it is U of Chicago (or maybe it is UIC) that has a beautiful > dance > > hall, they use a student club to 'rent' the hall for occasional contra & > > english dances. > > > > Most schools will require that your club have a faculty or staff advisor- > > typically this person just signs paperwork. They may or may not be an > > active member in the organization. Have your students go to their > favorite > > professor to ask them if they want to sign on. > > As for what does the club do? It's really up to you- they can co-sponsor > a > > dance on the college campus, or just be an 'enthusiast' group (like ski > > club) that meets every so often but the real purpose is to help > coordinate > > rides to the local dance. It all really depends on the momentum and what > > resources the campus offers. Some campuses will allow you to apply for > > funds (think the same as a federal or state government- so, this is a > once > > a year type process most often - requires pre-planning, not a last moment > > thing). > > > > Most schools will require your club to have a constitution- they should > > have a template for you to follow. The club will also need X officers > and Y > > members to be a 'real' club. The school should have some sort of > > administrator (person in my type of job) who can help guide you with this > > stuff. If you message me (off the list) the name of the university, I > > could do some looking around to see if I know the person or can find > their > > name on a website for you. > > > > Feel free to contact me off-list if you need more help & good luck! > > Sometimes the 'college club' is a great thing & sometimes it is... not > > really worth all of the effort. Usually it all rides on how much effort > (& > > time) the individual student is willing to put into the project- with > > balancing it with their classes, part time job, sweeties...etc. > > > > Brian > > > > > > > > On Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 11:42 PM Mary Anne Eason via Organizers < > > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > > > >> The University of Maine in Orono has a Traditional Music and Dance Club > >> dance which promotes contra as well as other kinds of dance (though > >> essentially now I don't think it does anything but contra). In the past > >> they hosted a few small contras on campus (in dorms, the dining hall or > a > >> large hallway somewhere where there was exposure to other students). > >> Recently they have gotten funds from the student government which covers > >> the entrance fee for students to the local dance each month in Orono > plus > >> free pizza! The contact person is Anthony Viselli, > >> anthony.viselli(a)maine.edu, who also heads up the band that plays at > that > >> contra. > >> > >> Mary Anne > >> > >> On 6/20/2016 1:56 PM, Erik Erhardt via Organizers wrote: > >> > >> Hi Marie, > >> > >> A little history for our group, then a suggestion that we plan to follow > >> this coming year: > >> > >> At the University of New Mexico (unmcontra.org) FolkMADS (our local > folk > >> dance org, folkmads.org) put on 8 dances in year Aug 2014 - May 2015, > >> then we formed a student organization and put on 8 dances, the last 4 > with > >> a student band Aug 2015 - May 2016. We've had low attendance (10-30 > >> dancers, about half students), but with returning regular dancers. > We've > >> put in a lot of energy without much growth, though the student band ( > >> http://www.clarabyom.com/rusty-tap.html) was a very positive outcome. > >> > >> This coming year we plan to *partner with other large student > >> organizations and put on joint events*. This will help guarantee larger > >> dances, will help with advertising, and will get people who already know > >> each other to dance together. I think this will increase the appeal of > the > >> dance. > >> We can also do more if we leverage ways to use student organization > funds. > >> > >> Good luck! > >> Erik Erhardt > >> (505)480-4462 StatAcumen.com > >> > >> On Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 11:34 AM, Marie-Mich?le Fournier < > >> <organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net>organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> > >> wrote: > >> > >>> Hello everyone! > >>> I have recruited some of our younger dancers to start a contra > club > >>> at their university to help us bring in more people to our dances in an > >>> effort to be sustainable. However, none of us are quite certain what's > the > >>> best way to proceed with this and what exactly to do with this club. > Any of > >>> you out there have associated university or college clubs? Could you > put me > >>> in contact with the people in charge so we can use their ideas and > >>> experience with this? > >>> Thanks! > >>> Marie > >>> ContraMontreal > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Organizers mailing list > >>> Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > >>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Organizers mailing listOrganizers@lists.sharedweight.nethttp:// > lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Organizers mailing list > >> Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Organizers mailing list > > Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net > > > > >

8 years, 10 months

guarantee/profit sharing?

by Dana Dwinell-Yardley via Organizers

Hi all! Writing in my role as an organizer of the new second Saturday Montpelier Contra Exchange series: http://www.contraexchange.org/. We are trying to figure out a band/caller payment amount that works for both us and the talent. So — simple question: How much to do pay your musicians and caller? Do you have a guarantee, and if so, is it per person or for everyone, no matter the band size? Do you do profit sharing on top of that? (I will say that the well-established Montpelier dance on first and third Saturdays, which I also help organize, has a guarantee of $650 to be split among musicians and caller, with additional payment for sound. We share additional profit based on attendance, once our expenses are paid for and some money saved back for dances we need to subsidize.) Thanks! Dana -- Dana Dwinell-Yardley graphic design & layout Montpelier, Vermont 802-505-6639 danadwya(a)gmail.com

8 years, 10 months

ASCAP and BMI

by Rob Lindauer via Organizers

I just got a letter from ASCAP asking payment of license fees for use of recorded and copyright materials at our dances. If my organization ran just our contra dances, I'd tell them to take a hike - or not respond at all - with the argument that our contras use only traditional public domain music, and not recorded music nor copyright arrangements. However, my organization also has waltz, swing, DJ, and Cajun/zydeco series, where I don't think I can make the same assertion. The net is I'll probably go ahead and pay. My question: What encounters (and resolutions) have other groups had with ASCAP (and BMI too, for that matter). Thanks, RL -- Rob Lindauer

8 years, 10 months

Re: [Organizers] Admission Table "Cash Register"?

by Don Veino via Organizers

Thanks Koren, I'll give it a try. In a quick review it looks a lot like what I was working on myself, without obviously being 100% customized to our purpose. Happy to accept something that's done/tested now and mostly matches our needs and then put something else in place which takes the output the rest of the way. -Don On Jun 9, 2016 2:06 PM, "Koren A. Wake" <koren.a.wake(a)gmail.com> wrote: I'm coming very late to this topic, sorry... but since I don't see anyone else having mentioned this, I wanted to chime in. The blues dance I now run in Seattle uses Square to track attendance and cash. It's simple to set up and our door volunteers seem happy with it. We charge a sliding scale and just have separate "items" for each dollar amount. When we used to have "regular" and "student" prices we had buttons for those as well, and a custom price item for donations. Square automatically tracks the number of each item sold, and the times. On a tablet (we use an iPad, and I would assume it works on an Android tablet as well), Square also does cash drawer tracking -- enter your starting cash, track transactions, and enter your final counts; it'll tell you whether you're off and by how much. It does not allow for cash drawer tracking through the phone app, though. I'm not sure why not, or whether they're going to add it eventually. And of course, Square allows us to take credit cards too, which has pros and cons but overall I'm very much in favor of it. Koren On Mon, May 16, 2016 at 12:53 PM Don Veino via Organizers < organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > Just in case there was any question, we have absolute trust in our > volunteers and have had no instances of door sitter cheating (a tiny > minority of dancers on the other hand... but I digress). The impetus for my > original investigation is solely operational efficiency - making it easier > for our volunteers and ourselves as organizers. It would be nice to > actually be able to dance at our own dances more often. :) > > On Sun, May 15, 2016 at 5:54 PM, Dan Pearl via Organizers < > organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> We operate on a basis of trust with our door-sitters and the mix of >> adult/youth varies during the year in unsurprising ways -- we just don't >> feel like we need to capture that information. >> >> 4. Any system can be compromised by crooked door-sitter. They can wink >> at their friends and wave them in for no fee. They could pocket some money >> and not click the tally counter or put a tick-mark on the paper. Anything! >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Organizers mailing list > Organizers(a)lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net >

8 years, 10 months

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